Lip Lifts and Lip Augmentation Options at CabinMD

When your lips don’t match how you feel inside—whether they’ve thinned with age or never quite had the shape or balance you wanted—it can affect how you feel in your own skin. At CabinMD in Washington, DC, Dr. Jonathan Cabin offers personalized solutions to help you feel more confident in your appearance. This includes lip lifts and lip augmentation options! Keep reading to learn the difference between the two.

 

What A Lift Lip Does

A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes the space between your upper lip and the base of your nose. This area tends to elongate over time, causing the lips to look thinner and less defined. A lip lift shortens that space, which makes the upper lip appear fuller and helps bring your features into better proportion.

 

This treatment can:

• Enhance the upper tooth show, which is associated with a youthful mouth
• Create a “taller” lip without adding volume
• Lift the corners of your mouth
• Bring harmony to your smile and facial structure

 

Lip lifts are a great option if you have upper lip elongation or reduced tooth show, and in some cases, if you want lasting change without the maintenance of regular fillers. Dr. Cabin places small, well-hidden incisions that heal quickly and fade over time, leaving your results looking natural and balanced.

Types of Lip Lifts at CabinMD

Dr. Cabin uses two different techniques based on your anatomy and goals. During your consultation, he’ll explain which option best fits your features. In many cases, patients will require both techniques for a balanced result:

• Subnasal Lip Lift: Sometimes called the bullhorn lift, this technique involves a discreet incision right under the nose. It’s ideal for shortening the philtrum and rolling the upper lip slightly outward for a more defined appearance, and for enhancing the tooth show of the upper mouth.
• Corner Lip Lift: If your mouth naturally turns downward at the corners, this technique can gently lift them. The goal is a more open, rested expression that still looks like you—just more aligned with how you feel inside.

Each of these techniques is available as part of your customized treatment plan for a lip lift in Washington, DC. All can be performed on their own or combined with other treatments to help you reach your aesthetic goals!

 

 

What Is Lift Augmentation?

If your main concern is volume, either from aging or naturally thinner lips, lip augmentation might be the better choice. This non-surgical treatment uses injectable fillers to shape and enhance the lips in a subtle, customizable way.

Dr. Cabin uses both needle and cannula techniques for maximum precision, personalization, and minimal discomfort. His conservative approach means you won’t walk away looking overdone. Instead, you’ll notice:

• Softer, fuller lips with improved symmetry
• A more defined lip border
• Better balance between the upper and lower lips

Using lip fillers for lip augmentation in Washington, DC, is a great way to experiment with change before committing to something long-term. Results typically last several months to a year and can be adjusted as your preferences evolve.

Choosing Between Lip Lifts & Lip Augmentation

While both options enhance your lips, they do so in different ways. Think about what matters most to you—structure, volume, definition, or convenience—and that can help guide your choice. Below is a summary of traits to consider when weighing the two options.

 

Lip Lift:

• Surgical
• Long-lasting or permanent results
• Improves shape and lip length
• Doesn’t add volume, but does create a more visible pink lip for a fuller appearance
• Generally treats the upper lip only

 

Lip Augmentation:

• Non-surgical
• Temporary results
• Adds volume and improves symmetry
• Quick and convenient 
• Can treat the upper and lower lip

 

Some patients choose both. For example, a lip lift can reshape the structure, while filler adds volume where needed. Dr. Cabin will help you create a plan that works for your features and your lifestyle. You won’t be pushed toward one option over another—instead, you’ll get a clear, expert opinion that supports your goals.

Lip Lift vs. Lip Augmentation: Recovery & Results 

Although it’s a surgical procedure, lip lift recovery is fairly minimal. Your stitches will be removed after 5–7 days, and you may experience swelling, tightness, or mild discomfort for the first 10–14 days. You will have to follow strict aftercare instructions to minimize scarring, but once all is said and done, you will love the transformation that this subtle procedure provides.

On the other hand, non-surgical lip augmentation has little to no downtime. You may notice mild swelling or bruising, but it usually resolves within a few days. Final results show up quickly, most often in around 1–2 weeks.

Dr. Cabin and his team will walk you through what to expect after either option and provide detailed post-procedure instructions to help you heal smoothly.

 

Why Choose CabinMD In Washington, DC

CabinMD is a trusted destination for cosmetic surgery in Washington, DC, because Dr. Cabin is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive treatments. His approach to care is always patient-centered, designed to respect your goals, your timeline, and your sense of self.

His deep understanding of facial harmony allows him to recommend enhancement treatment plans that support the rest of your features, instead of competing with them. This means every lip lift and lip augmentation treatment at CabinMD is tailored to your wants and needs, not someone else’s standard. Whether you’re opting for a subtle change or a more defined update, you’ll receive the same thoughtful planning and attention to detail at every step.

 

Let’s Talk About Your Lip Goals

If you’ve been thinking about changing the shape, fullness, or balance of your lips, CabinMD can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cabin to learn more about your options and get expert advice on the best path forward.

You can also browse our before-and-after lip gallery or check us out on Instagram to see real results from patients across Washington, DC who’ve trusted CabinMD for natural-looking lip enhancements. 

Contact us to schedule your appointment when you’re ready!